Impact of nodule damage by Rivellia angulata on N2-fixation, growth, and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) grown in a Vertisol

    Rao, J V D K K and Sithanantham, S (1989) Impact of nodule damage by Rivellia angulata on N2-fixation, growth, and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) grown in a Vertisol. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 7 (2). pp. 95-100.

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    Abstract

    Damage caused by Rivellia angulata larvae to pigeonpea root nodules at the ICRISAT center in India was greater in the crop grown on Vertisols (up to 86%) compared to that on Alfisols (20%). Attempts to quantify the field effects of nodule damage on growth and yield of pigeonpea in a Vertisol, involving many heavy applications of soil insecticides (aldrin and hexachlorocyclohexane) failed because the insecticides did not control the pest and adversely affected the growth of the pigeonpea and the subsequent crop of sorghum (Sorgorum bicolor L. Moench). The impact of nodule damage on pigeonpea growth, yield and nutrient uptake was successfully studied in greenhouse-grown plants at three N levels. In this pot study, artificial inoculation with Rivellia sp. led to substantial nodule damage (70%). The results of this damage were a significant overall reduction in nodule dry weight (46%), acetylene reduction activity (31%), total leaf area (36%), chlorophyll content of leaves (39%) and shoot dry weight (23%) 68 days after sowing. At maturity, Rivellia sp. infestation caused significant reductions in top dry weight (22%), root and nodule dry weight (27%), seed dry weight (14%), and total N (29%) and P uptake (19%). The problems and prospects of manipulating nodule damage so as to reduce N losses in pigeonpea are discussed.

    Item Type: Article
    Divisions: UNSPECIFIED
    CRP: UNSPECIFIED
    Subjects: Mandate crops > Pigeonpea
    Depositing User: Mr Charan Sai Ch
    Date Deposited: 07 Nov 2011 10:29
    Last Modified: 07 Nov 2011 10:29
    URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/3761
    Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00292565
    Projects: UNSPECIFIED
    Funders: UNSPECIFIED
    Acknowledgement: UNSPECIFIED
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